A nurse is caring for a client who is 5 hours postoperative following a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). The nurse notes that the client's indwelling urinary catheter has not drained in the past hour. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

The correct answer is: a. Temperature, c. Color, d. Sensation.

Choice A: Temperature

Reason: Monitoring the temperature of the affected extremity is crucial in evaluating neurovascular status. A cool or cold extremity can indicate decreased perfusion, which may be a sign of neurovascular compromise. Normal skin temperature should be warm to the touch, indicating adequate blood flow.

Choice B: Ecchymosis

Reason: Ecchymosis, or bruising, is not a direct indicator of neurovascular status. While it can provide information about trauma or bleeding, it does not assess the functionality of nerves or blood vessels in the affected extremity.

Choice C: Color

Reason: Assessing the color of the extremity is essential. Pallor or cyanosis can indicate poor blood flow or oxygenation, which are critical signs of neurovascular impairment. Normal color should be consistent with the rest of the body, indicating good circulation.

Choice D: Sensation

Reason: Evaluating sensation helps determine if there is any nerve damage or impairment. Changes in sensation, such as numbness or tingling, can indicate neurovascular compromise. Normal sensation should be intact and symmetrical with the unaffected extremity.

Choice E: Skin Integrity

Reason: While skin integrity is important for overall wound healing and infection prevention, it is not a primary parameter for assessing neurovascular status. It does not provide direct information about blood flow or nerve function.

Choice A reason:
While gargling with warm saline can provide symptomatic relief for a sore throat, it does not address the underlying bacterial infection. Therefore, it is not the priority action once a diagnosis of group A streptococcus has been confirmed.

Choice B reason:
Identifying close contacts is important for public health tracking and potentially preventing the spread of the infection. However, the immediate priority for the client is the initiation of treatment to address the infection.

Choice C reason:
Taking antipyretics can help manage fever and provide comfort to the client. While managing symptoms is important, it is secondary to initiating antibiotic therapy, which addresses the cause of the symptoms.

Choice D reason:
The priority action is to notify the client to return to the clinic for initiation of antibiotic therapy. Group A streptococcus is a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics for treatment. Prompt initiation of antibiotics is crucial to prevent complications and promote recovery.